Urgent EU recall of popular soft drink

A recall has been made for a popular soft drink after it was discovered to have high amounts of a chemical that could cause serious health issues.

A recall has been made for a popular soft drink after it was discovered to have high amounts of a chemical that could cause serious health issues.

Coca-Cola issued a recall for products such as Coca‑Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Fuze Tea, Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss and Tropico in cans and refillable glass bottles.

It was discovered the drinks had “higher levels” of chlorate. Chlorate is a chemical that comes from choline disinfectants. It’s been linked to serious health problems.

This includes impacting thyroid gland function in children. The thyroid plays a key roll in metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure.

A recall has been issued for a popular soft drink. Picture: Joel Saget/AFP

The recall was issued in Belgium and Luxembourg with the items having a production code from 328 GE to 338 GE.

“Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners Belgium asks consumers not to consume these products and to return the affected products with these codes to the point of sale for a refund,” a statement from the brand read.

“We apologise to both our consumers and our commercial partners.”

A spokesperson for the brand told the BBC that independent analysis found any risk for consumers was “very low”.

Products made and sold in Australia are not impacted by the recall, a spokesperson told news.com.au.

The issue was brought to light by a routine check of the product.

It comes after a doctor issued a warning over social media users combining Diet Coke with a pre-made energy shake.

The recall was issued in Belgium, Luxembourg. Picture: Christophe Simon/AFP

The trend gained traction thanks to Utah content creator @beccers_gordonn, whose TikTok describing the drink as “a 10/10” racked up over 2.6 million views.

“Let’s get real – if your ‘protein’ comes from a pre-made shake, you’re likely getting more calories from sugar than from protein itself,” Dr Zac Turner, a biomedical scientist and doctor, told news.com.au.

“The average ready-to-go protein drink can sneak in a lot of filler, meaning that creamy shot into your Diet Coke may end up countering your sugar-free intentions.”

Dr Turner recommended using a clean, high-quality whey isolate with minimal sugar for those keen to give the drink a try.

“It’s not likely to taste as fun or blend as easily but whey isolate packs a pure protein punch, so you’d actually get the benefits you’re after without accidentally turning your ‘diet’ drink into a dessert,” he explained.

Originally published as Urgent EU recall of popular soft drink